What to Expect If Charged with Sextortion or Revenge Porn

What to Expect If Charged with Sextortion or Revenge Porn

Getting charged with sextortion or revenge porn can be an incredibly stressful and scary experience. As someone whose been through it myself, I want to give you an honest look at what to expect, the legal process, and some advice on how to handle it. I’m not a lawyer, but I learned a ton going through this nightmare.

The Police Knock on Your Door

If your being investigated for sextortion or revenge porn, there’s a good chance the police will eventually show up at your door. I know cause it happened to me. Out of the blue one morning, two detectives were pounding on my door yelling “Police! Open up!” I looked through the peephole and saw the badges around their necks. My heart sank and I started shaking uncontrollably.

When I opened the door, the detectives barged right in and started searching my apartment. They had a warrant allowing them to seize my phone, laptop, external hard drives, and anything else they thought might have evidence. The whole time their grilling me with questions like “Where were you last night?” “Do you know Jane Doe?” “Have you ever posted nude photos of someone else online?” I was scared out of my mind and didn’t know what to say, so I just kept repeating “I want to speak to my lawyer.” That seemed to piss them off more, but it’s your right to have a lawyer present during questioning.

You’ll Be Arrested and Booked

After tearing my place apart and taking all my devices, the detectives slapped handcuffs on me and hauled me down to the police station. I felt like a criminal getting booked – they fingerprinted me, took my mugshot, and locked me in a holding cell until I was able to post bail. It was humiliating and terrifying, especially when they started accusing me of being some kind of pervert.

I kept telling them it was all a big misunderstanding, but they didn’t want to hear it. Finally my parents were able to post my bail so I could go home, but my life became a living hell after that. My picture was on the news and internet calling me a “revenge porn purveyor.” I got death threats telling me I should kill myself. I couldn’t leave my house without getting harassed, and I eventually had to drop out of college because of the bullying. All over something I didn’t even do.

The Legal Process is Slow and Painful

After posting bail, my lawyer told me the legal process would probably take over a year to resolve. In the meantime, the police and prosecutors would be building a case against me by going through my devices and online accounts, interviewing witnesses, and pressuring me to take a plea deal. My lawyer said to expect a lot of “legal maneuvering” as we tried to get evidence thrown out or charges reduced.

He was right, the next months were agonizing. The cops lied and claimed they found all kinds of incriminating stuff on my phone, which they didn’t. We filed motions trying to get the bogus evidence excluded, while the DA kept offering me plea deals for lesser charges if I’d admit guilt. I refused to take a plea for something I didn’t do.

Meanwhile, I was banned from school and basically under house arrest with an ankle monitor. I fell into a deep depression and even considered suicide. The only thing that kept me going was my family and continuing to proclaim my innocence. It was a dark, scary time though and the legal pressure was overwhelming.

The Trial is Nerve-Wracking

After nearly a year of legal wrangling, we finally went to trial. Those two days waiting for the jury to reach a verdict were the most stressful of my life. I was a nervous wreck on the stand being grilled by the prosecutor. He tried to paint me as a deranged stalker who got off on harming women.

My lawyer did a great job refuting the bogus evidence and showing there were no photos of the victim on any of my devices. In the end, the jury saw through the BS and found me not guilty on all counts. I broke down crying like a baby when I heard the verdict.

It Stays on Your Record Forever

Even though I was found not guilty, the arrest and charges still show up every time I apply for a job or apartment. I have to explain that whole nightmare and hope people believe I was falsely accused. It’s something that will follow me around forever unfortunately.

Advice if You’re Being Charged

Based on my experience, here’s some advice if you find yourself being charged with sextortion or revenge porn:

• Don’t say anything to the police without a lawyer present
• Be respectful, but don’t admit to anything you didn’t do
• Hire the best lawyer you can afford
• Follow your lawyer’s advice about taking a plea deal or going to trial
• Tell friends and family the truth so they can support you
• Get counseling if you become depressed or suicidal
• Stay strong and keep believing in your innocence

It’s a long, difficult road but the truth will come out in the end. Don’t lose hope and know there are others out there who’ve gone through this same nightmare. You can get through it.

References

Revenge Porn Laws by State – Overview of state laws criminalizing revenge porn

Revenge Porn Laws by State – More details on state revenge porn statutes

18 U.S. Code § 875 – Interstate communications – Federal law prohibiting extortion

Fifth Amendment – Constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination

Sixth Amendment – Right to a speedy trial and impartial jury